Hydraulic expander and applicator for short elastic tubes



Nov. 25, 1941. B. s. MINOR 2,263,638

HYDRAULIC EXPANDER AND APPLICATOR FOR SHORT ELASTIC TUBES Filed Aug. 30, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet l Illl| INVENTOR.

Nov. 25, 1941.

B. s. MINOR 2,263,638

HYDRAULIC EXPANDER AND APPLICATOR FOR SHORT ELASTIC TUBES Filed Aug. 30, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A! ll J /9 i 29 8 43 I I 6 26 5 2 a/ 62 60 42 I 40 f 7 7 59 59 |Y 2o 1 M I 7/; 5r\\ I 63 m v i HIM I .56 I 52 I Patented Nov. 25, 1941 HYDRAULIC EXPANDER. AND APPLICATOR FOR SHORT ELASTIC TUBES Burt s. Minor, San Pedro, cane, assl g'nor to Bettis Rubber Co. Ltd., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application August 30, 1937, Serial No. 161,599

6 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in means for and method of applying short elastic bands to drill pipe and the like.

In connection with the rotary method of drilling oil wells, it is present practice to mount resilientbands around the drill pipe at spaced intervals, which bands, when mounted being somewhat larger in diameter thanthe tool joints and couplings, prevent contact and abrasion between the drill pipe couplings and the inner surface of the casingthrough which the same suspends and rotates.

It is well known that rubber is best adapted to this use as the drill pipe is usually submerged in mud-laden fluid or water which are natural lubricants to reduce friction between rubber and steel.

It is necessary that the elastic bands when mounted,upon the drill pipe, be under considerable tension to prevent movement during use. They are therefore moulded with 'an inside diameter less than that of the pipe.

I'he present practice for expanding and mounting these elastic bands upon drill pipe is to attach a cone to the lower tool joint of a four joint stand of drill pipe and to force the elastic band over the cone and tool joint onto the pipe by lowering the stand of drill pipe through the elastic band supported upon radially expanding aws. band whichcanbe efiected in this manner is dependent upon the resistance of the material of the elastic band and the available force for expanding the same.

'The present device has the disadvantage that the power of expansion is limited by the available weight of the drill pipe stand, limiting the thickness of elastic band which can be applied and also the use of higher tensile 'materlals. While the mechanical advantage for expanding may be improved by using'longer cones of less taper, the period of diiliculty is reached when the elastic band passes from the cone to the tool joint where the friction is greatest, making it necessary in many cases to resort to additional weight added to the drill pipe to complete the. operation. The latter usually being accomplished by allowing the hook and elevators to bump the top of the stand of drill pipe, which not only is hazardous, but causes some damage The amount of expansion of the elastic A further object of this invention is to provide a means which may be operatedby a form of power which can be obtained 1 from various sources.

A furtherobject of this invention is to provide a method and means whereby elastic bands of more desirable material having higher tensile properties, also of thicker section, can be easily and quickly applied.

A further object is to provide a method and means whereby the elastic band is less subjected to abuse during the installation of the same.

A further object is to provide a method and means whereby the elastic bands will be automatically lubricated during the operation of installing thesame.

A further object is to provide a method and means whereby the elastic'bands can be applied before the drill pipe is delivered to the well and while the same is lying in a horizontal position.

A further object is to provide a method and means for installing the elastic bands which will be of a less hazardous nature.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal view of the preferred embodimentof my invention and cross-sectioned to show how the elastic band is assembled with the devices in preparation to be installed.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal view of the same device showing the elastic band part-way installed.

Figure 3 is an elevation view showing how the elastic band may be positioned to any place on the drill pipe after the elastic band has been applied to the tool joint box.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken at the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a plan view looking down from the top of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectioned view showing a modification of my invention.

. Figure '7 is a transverse sectional view taken at the line 1-1 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectioned view showing how my invention maybe used in connection with a stand of drill pipe, if desired.

Referring more particularly to-the device-II is a mandrel with an enlarged threaded end I8 for engaging the tool joint box, a tapered abutment l1A and an upper threaded portion II for engaging the Jam nut 23. Positioned on the mandrel II and clamped between the abutting face IIA and the jam nut 23 is a piston member I9 having upper and lower extending tubular portions 2| and 2IIA.' Surrounding the piston, and arranged for axial movement thereon is a cylinder member II. The cup-shaped rubber band 2|, suitably fltted into the annular groove of the piston, serves to effect a seal between the two members. The hose 2! attached to the cylinder by means of the screw threads 20 is used to supply fluid pressure to the device. surrounding the lower tubular extension 20 of the piston I9 and clamped between the tapered abutment IIA and the flange end 28 of the cylinder I8 are two elastic bands I4 and 22. The elastic band I4 is the member which is to be expanded and positioned on the tool joint box II as shown in Figure 2. The band 22 known as the follow ring serving to push it on, will be more fully explained further on. On the under side of the flange face 28 is a small annular rib 28 which serves to restrain the top end of the follow ring 22 during the expansion of the same tending to keep it and the elastic band l4 concentric with the mandrel l5. Small passage ways 21 are provided in the flange 23 of the cylinder I8 to allow passage of fluid from between the piston and cylinder to the inner diameters of the follow ring 22 and the elastic band l4. The passages 21 are best shown in Figure 4.

In arranging the device for use, it is generally divided into three units, the mandrel, the jam nut, and the piston and cylinder assembly with the hose connected to some suitable source of pressure.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The mandrel I! being flrst connected to the tool joint box II the piston and cylinder assembly is next turned upside down on the derrick floor and the elastic band l4 and the follow ring 22 pushed onto the tubular extension 20 of the piston is by hand. After the elastic band I4 and the follow ring 22 are in place, the assembly is turned right side up, telescoped over the mandrel l and locked securely in place by means of the jam nut 23.

The assembling of the applicator being completed, fluid pressure from some suitable source, water being preferred, is next applied by-means of the hose connection 25. As the diameter of the piston is proportioned larger than the diameter of the tool joint box, the entrance of the fluid pressure immediately causes the cylinder to effect a downward pressure on the elastic bands I4 and 22, clamping the same in fluid tight relation between the abutting faces I'I-A and 26. Simultaneously with the movement of the cylinder, the fluid pressure, passing through the small passages 21 enters the bores of the elastic band I4 and the follow ring 22 which have been loosely mounted on the tubular extension 20 by hand, causing the same to expand. Expansion of the elastic band and the follow ring continues until the bore of the elastic band I4 is of sufllcient size to pass onto the tooljoint box and.is maintained at such size until it is positioned fully on to the tool joint box by the downward movement of the cylinder.

' aaoaese" l The follow ring 22 serves the purpose of pushing the elastic band I4 a safe distance below the top edge of the tool joint box. This is found to be necessary as the elastic band I4. being of a resilient material, creepsback a short distance when the pressure is released.

Due to the generous supply of lubrication and the elastic properties of the follow ring 22, the overhanging portion of the same, in trying to regain its natural shape upon release of the pressure, quickly pulls itself clear of the tool joint box.

After the elastic band I4 has been positioned onto the tool Joint box, the expander and applicator serves no further purpose and is removed. Positioning or moving the elastic band onto the drill pipe presents no problem as there is always suflicient weight of drill pipe, including the bit and drill collar suspended down the hole to overcome the friction grip of the elastic band. Moving of same may be accomplished by connecting another stand of drill pipe |II-A above the stand of drill pipe III for elevating purposes, removing the slips I3 and adjusting the equipment shown in Figures 3 and 5, and which includes: A ring 30 arranged to rest upon the top of the rotary table I2 and having a central opening large enough to permit withdrawal of the slips I3. Extending up from the face of the ringretractible plug 4|! in lieu of the follow sleeve 22.

In describing this modified device: The re-' tractible plug 40 is seated in a tapered bore in the flange 26a of the cylinder I8 and held in engagement by means of the spring ring 4| suitably fltted in the groove 42 of the plug 40. This ring in its expanded condition overlaps the face of the flange 26. Sealing between the two members 40 and 26a. is accomplished by means of the cupshaped rubber band 43 suitably fitted in an annular groove provided for it.

For the purpose of providing a means for conducting pressure fluid from the interior of cylinder I8 to the region of the bore of the elastic band I4, the member 40 is provided with the grooves 44 as shownin Fig. 7. With this construction, when pressure fluid is admitted to cylinder I8 the fluid may escape through the grooves 44 and into the bore of the elastic band I4 and thus serves to expand that member. The ends of the band I4 are forced into sealing engagement with the members 40 and II by downward movement of cylinder I8 caused by the admittance of pressure fluid to the cylinder.

In describing the operation of the retractible plug 40 when the injected fluid expands the elastic band I4 to the proper diameter to pass onto the tool joint box II the elastic band will simultaneously pass onto the downwardly projecting end of the retractible plug 40 which has the same diameter as that of the tool joint box (I. The upper, inner edge of the elastic band I4 in passing over the split ring 4| closes the same in to .a diameter which will permit the retractible plug 40 to move ,upwardly and into the cavity of the cylinder I8 below the piston I9. The opening left by the plug 40 in the flange 23a allows the cylinder I8 to move downward beyond the top edge of the tool joint box II so distance below that point.

that the elastic band can be positioned a safe Once the-elastic band ll expands to a diameterlalfge enough to pass over and release the retractible plug it will .be retained at that diameter by the constant downward pressure of the cylinder l8 until. such time as it passes onto the tool joint box ll.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9: is a base member with the'upwardly extending tube 5|,- the ring 53 and the enlarged tubular portion 59 all welded together into a single unit. The ring 58 is suitably bored to receive a piston member v52. The cup-shaped rubber rings 54 fitted into to receive and guide the mandrel member 51.

The mandrel member has a hollow bore 65 and ports 59 to permit the passage of fluid from the cylinder 5| to the inner diameter of the elastic band 14. The upper end of the mandrel 51 has an enlarged diameter and is slightly beveled at the bottom end to form the abutment 62 and has a conical bore 66 in the top end to receive the pin portion of the tool joint pin member I l-A. 60 is a guide member for restricting movement of the top portion of the elastic band I 4 during the expansion and movement thereof. The spring member 6| is for the purpose of returning the piston 52 to its upper position after each downward movement.

The operation of the device is as follows:

The cylinders 5| and 59 with thespring member BI and the piston member 5l'positioned as shown in Figure 8 are flrst filled with fluid, preferably water. The elastic band M, the gu de ring 60 and the mandrel member 51 are then assembled, in the order described, and the entire assembly is then positioned at some convenient place where the drill pipe stand Ill-A can be elevated and lowered so that the tapered pin 66 of the tool joint pin member IIA will engage the top end of the mandrel 51 in vertical align ment.

Lowering of the drill pipe stand lib-A causes the elastic band H to become clamped endwise between the abutting faces 63 and 62 and entraps the fluid contained in the device forcing the same to pass upward through the passage and out through the ports 69 against the inner diameter of the elastic band l4 expanding the same. i

In order that the elastic band will expand evenly all around and first pass over the piston member 52 expansion of the upper end of the elastic band is restricted by the guide ring as shown in Figure 9.

As the mandrel 51 moves downward under weight of the drill pipe stand, the elastic band is forced to expand and likewise moves downward onto the piston 52 until such time as the top end clears the guide ring 60 which will then permit the enlarged portion 58 of the mandrel 51 to also enter the expanded bore of the elastic band l4. Further downward movement of the mandrel =51, the piston 52 and the elastic band I4 is continued until the lower end of the elastic band comes to rest upon' the abutting face 64 of the ring 53 and allows the mandrels and tool joint pin I l-A to pass thereon through until the elastic band is finally positioned on the drill 2,2eaesa 3 pipe lfl- A a'short. distance above the tool joint pin member Il-A.

It will be obvious that with all of the above described operations of applying the elastic band to the drill pipe or tool joint members that the inner diameter or bore-of the elastic bands is always in contact with the fluid with the result that a generous, much desired lubricating medium is provided.

I wish particularly to mention that with my,"

method of application where the elastic bandis first expanded by means of internal fluid pressure before it is forced over the member to which it is to be applied that the elastic band is less apt to he abraded, torn, or badly deformed which very often happens with the past methods used. This is a particular feature, as inside abrasion, or slight tearing of the rubber. sometimes causes the elastic band to break when it is approaching its maximum expansion, and as the elastic bands ordinarily used in connection with oil well drilling are quite massive, weighing several pounds, considerable energy is stored up, with the result that if the elastic band does happen to break, it may cause serious injury to the workmen.

Having described my invention, what I claim is: i

1. In a device for expanding and applying an elastic band on a tubular member comprising a mandrel adapted to be detachably secured to the end of the tubular member, a cylinder, a piston in said cylinder, said piston having an elongated tubular extension on said mandrel, means securing said piston to said mandrel, means for admitting a pressure fluid between said piston and one end of said cylinder, said cylinder having means for permitting escape of pressure fluid from the interior thereof to the interior of an elastic member mounted on' the tubular extension of said piston.

2. In a device for expanding and applying an elastic protector band to a member of greater diameter than the bore of the band, a mandrel having an elongate portion capable of receiving an unexpanded protector band and an elastic follower band, said mandrel having an enlarged tapered abutment portion at one end adapted to be detachably secured to an end of the member to which the protector band is to be applied; a

fluid operative jack adapted to be mounted on the elongate portion of said mandrel in spaced relation to said abutment portion,.said jack and said abutment portion including surfaces being adapted to engage the respective remote ends of the bands surrounding said mandrel to effect a seal against the escape of interior pressure; and

means for simultaneously applying fluid pressure to the inner annular surface of the bands to expand the same and to the jack to cause the Jack to exert axial force on the bands to effect a seal at the ends of said bands respectively engaging said jack and said abutment portion and the adjacent abutting ends of said bands and to move the protector band when expanded on to the member to which the 'band is to be applied.

3. In a device for expanding and applying an elastic protector band to a member of greater diameter than-the bore of the band, a mandrel having an elongate portion capable of receiving an unexpanded protector band and an elastic follower band, said mandrel terminating at one end in an enlarged tapered abutment end portion, said mandrel being adapted to be detachably secured to an end of the member to which the protector band is to be applied with the abutment end portion adjacent thereto; a piston detachably mounted on said elongate portion spaced from said abutment portion; a cylinder operable on said piston, said cylinder having an end wall between said piston and said abutment portion and surrounding said mandrel, said wall having an opening therein for the escape of fluid pressure from said cylinder along said mandrel, said abutment portion and said end wall of said cylinder including surfaces adapted to .engage the remote ends of the bands surrounding said mandrel to effect a seal against escape of interior pressure; and means for admitting a pressure fluid to said cylinder between said piston and the annular end wall of said cylinder, said pressure fluid being free to communicate with the interior of said band through the opening in the end wall of said cylinder.

4. In an apparatus for applying an expansible collar to a member of larger diameter than the bore of the collar; a tapered structure providing a path of enlargement from the bore of the coltent to limit radial expansion of the follower at said end and thereby allow theopposite end of said follower to freely expand on to said tapered structure, said movable means being limited in its movement so that a substantial part of said follower remains surrounding said tapered structure after the collar is moved on to the member to which it is to b..- applied whereby. such part of said follower will render the same retractable, by its contraction, from said tapered member on to said guide means out of engagement with said collar, when the force applied is relieved.

5. In an apparatus for applying an expansible collar to a member of larger diameter than the bore of the collar; 'a tapered structure providing a path of enlargement from the bore of the collar to the outer surface of the member to which the collar is to be applied; guide means extending through the bore of the collar and mounted in alignment with said tapered structure; an elasaces ess tic annular follower mounted on said guide means behind the collar and in engagement therewith, said follower being longer than the tapered portion of said tapered structure; movable means for applying force to said elastic follower to move said collar over the tapered structure on to the member of larger diameter; confining means movable with the force applying m'eans engageable with the adjacent end of said follower and to a limited longitudinal extent to limit radial expansion of the follower at said end and thereby allow the opposite end of said follower to freely expand on to said tapered structure, said movable means being limited in its movement so that a substantial part of said follower remains surrounding said tapered structure after the collar is moved on to the member to which it is to be applied whereby such part of said follower will render the same retractable, by its contraction, from said tapered member on to said guide means out of engagement with said collar, when the force applied is removed.

6. In an apparatus for applying an expansible collar to a member of larger diameter than the bore of the collar; a tapered structure providing a path of enlargement from the bore of the collar to the outer surface of the member to which the collar is to be applied; guide means extending through the bore of the collar and mounted in alignment with said tapered structure; an elastic annular follower mounted on said guide means behind the collar and in engagement therewith; movable means for applying force to said elastic follower to move said collar over the tapered structure on to the member of larger diameter; confining means movable with the force applying means engageable with the adjacent end of said follower and to a limited longitudinal extent to limit radial expansion of the follower at said end and thereby allow the opposite end of said follower to freely expand on to said tapered structure, said movable means being limited in its movement so that a substantial part of said follower remains surrounding said tapered structure after the collar is moved on to the member to which it is to be applied whereby such part of said follower will render the same retractable, by its contraction, from said tapered member on to said guide means out of engagement with said collar, when the force applied is relieved; and means included in said apparatus for operatively connecting the force applying means to the member to which the collar is to be applied.

BURT S. MINOR. 

